Red Sox Coach Made Admission Before Replacing Alex Cora

Even though Ramón Vázquez technically was in a new role Monday night, the Red Sox-Mets series opener didn’t feel very different for the veteran coach.

Vázquez, who stepped in as Boston’s manager while Alex Cora took the night off to celebrate his daughter’s graduation, noted that all of his responsibilities were “still the same.” The Red Sox went through their standard meetings as usual before kicking off the three-game set at Fenway Park, and Vázquez even received some insights from Cora ahead of the interleague series.

However, Vázquez did enter Monday’s matchup with a tiny bit of uncertainty. The bench coach was honest before first pitch when asked who would take over as manager if he got ejected.

“I really don’t know. I’m trying not to get tossed today,” Vázquez told reporters, per MassLive. “This is my first one and my kid is here. Yeah, it’s just another day for me at work. So I should have a good time today.”

Vázquez spoke the enjoyable evening into existence, as the Red Sox returned to the win column with a 3-1 triumph over Juan Soto and company. The Puerto Rico native deserved a great deal of credit for the victory, too, as he handled the bullpen very well after starter Hunter Dobbins only lasted 4 2/3 innings.

Boston players made sure to acknowledge the occasion, as Vázquez received a cold-beer shower after leading the club to a win.